Key takeaways

• US stocks were mostly higher; Treasuries edged lower。
• European stocks and government bonds fell。
• Asian stocks extended gains。

Markets

US stocks traded mixed but mostly higher on Wednesday amid investor optimism over de-escalation of geopolitical tensions and upcoming corporate earnings releases. The S&P 500 rose 0.8%.

US Treasuries edged lower after recent rebounds. 10-year yields rose 3bp to 4.28%.

European stocks mostly fell on Wednesday as investors assessed the impact of geopolitical tensions and some downbeat earnings releases. The Euro Stoxx 50 lost 0.7%. The German DAX was little changed (+0.1%), while the French CAC closed 0.6% lower. In the UK, the FTSE 100 fell 0.5%.

European government bonds fell. 10-year German and French bond yields both rose 2bp to 3.04% and 3.68%, respectively. In the UK, 10-year gilt yields rose 3bp to 4.81%.

Asian stock markets extended gains on Wednesday, amid investor optimism over easing Middle East tensions. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.4% and Korea’s Kospi rallied 2.1%. China’s Shanghai Composite ended little changed while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was up 0.3%. India’s Sensex gained 1.6%.

Crude oil prices closed little changed on Wednesday. WTI crude for May delivery settled at USD91.3 a barrel. 

Key Data Releases and Events

Releases yesterday

No major releases.

Releases due today (16 April 2026)

In China, Q1 GDP growth was likely supported by strong January-February activity, particularly exports, and aided by front-loaded fiscal policy support. Industrial production is expected to hold up in March, with limited disruption from the energy shock so far, while retail sales likely softened as the LNY holiday boost faded and the high base from last year’s trade-in subsidies kicked in.

In the US, the gradual recovery in industrial production will likely be dampened by higher oil prices going forward, but mining output may see a modest boost.

https://www.hsbc.com.my/wealth/insights/asset-class-views/investment-daily/id/